The final rule on animal disease traceability became effective on March 11, 2013. The rule outlines federal requirements for the interstate movement of animals including what animals are required to be officially identified, approved forms of official identification, certification requirements, and allowed exemptions. A summary of the new rule as it applies to cattle is included below. The full text can be accessed here. Additionally, the USDA has traceability information on their website.

ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF OFFICIAL IDENTIFICATION:

EXEMPTIONS TO OFFICIAL IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE ANIMALS MOVED:

As a commuter herd with a copy of the commuter herd agreement between shipping and receiving states.

Directly from a location in one State through another State to a second location in the original State.

Directly to an approved tagging site and are officially identified before commingling with cattle and bison from other premises.

Directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment or directly to no more than one approved livestock facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment, where they are harvested within 3 days of arrival AND they are moved with a USDA approved backtag.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS:

Cattle and bison moved interstate must be accompanied by an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection (ICVI) unless they are moved:

Directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment, or to an approved livestock facility and then directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment, and they are accompanied by an owner-shipper statement.

Directly to an approved livestock facility with an owner-shipper statement and do not move interstate from the facility unless accompanied by an ICVI.

From farm of origin for veterinary medical examination or treatment and returned to farm of origin without change of ownership.

Directly from state through another state and back to the original state.

HORSES AND OTHER EQUINE SPECIES

OFFICIAL IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

ALL horses and other equines moved interstate must be officially identified prior to interstate movement.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS:

As the mode of transportation (horseback, horse and buggy) for travel to another location and then return direct to the original location.

From the farm or stable for veterinary medical examination or treatment and returned to the same location without change in ownership.

Directly from a location in one State through another State to a second location in the original State.

Between shipping and receiving States with documentation other than an ICVI, e.g., an equine infectious anemia test chart, as agreed to by the shipping and receiving States involved in the movement.

ICVIS FOR ALL ANIMALS MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

Species covered

Number of animals in shipment

Purpose for movement

Physical address from which animals originated

Physical address that animal are destined to

Name and address of consignor and consignee (if different)

For animals that are required to be officially identified, the official identification number must be recorded on the ICVI unless animals are moved from an approved livestock facility directly to slaughter